A/N: Happy December! I will be trying my best to get the next couple of chapters out soon as they are Christmas related! toward the end of this chapter it does get heated. If heat is not your cup of tea, you won't miss any plot by skipping over it. As always, I love to read your thoughts. Thank you for being here. Enjoy Xx.
Disclaimer: Same 1-39.
The next morning, John stirred and slightly opened his eyes. He closed them again before he blinked a few times to adjust to a state of wakefulness. The morning light was faint in the room not yet fully shining into the space. He turned his neck just a bit in a form of stretch and realized he felt rested. He must have truly slept during the night. Even though sleep was more often than not hard to come by, it was needed and welcomed by him. His eyes shifted to his left. Anna was still fast asleep on her side of the bed. Her hair was fanned out around her pillow, and her fist was in a ball under her chin facing him. He sighed silently and looked at her. She would be going to work soon. He had encouraged it because he needed time to accomplish a few things without her being around. Christmas Eve was in three days, and he needed to have everything ready before then.
Knowing he wouldn't be going back to sleep, he carefully slipped out of bed. He placed his feet in his slippers and exited the room, closing the door quietly behind him.
When he turned around, he saw Gwen closing the front door.
"Jack has an early morning," she explained to him as she walked closer. "Don't look at me. I look a fright in the mornings."
He noted her ginger hair was quite disheveled, and she pulled her robe tighter over herself.
John chuckled lowly. "You look lovely, Gwen."
"So, Anna has a charmer. Good to know." Her tone was snappy yet playful at the same time.
John only smirked and headed into the kitchen. He set about making breakfast for the three of them.
Gwen collected the electric kettle, and John could feel her watching him.
"What are you up to?" She asked before adding water.
"I'm making breakfast for us three. Is that alright?" He asked, lifting a pan from a cupboard. He didn't want to just assume. It was Gwen and Anna's home after all.
"You're making breakfast?" Gwen repeated and began filling the kettle.
"I am. Eggs and toast okay?"
Gwen shut off the water and switched the kettle on. She crossed her arms over her robe covered chest.
"You are staying here forever, right?" She dead panned causing John to laugh.
"I'll take that as a yes," John commented and went back to work.
A beat of silence passed between them before John spoke quietly.
"Gwen, I was hoping to speak with you."
Noticing his hushed tone, she stepped closer to him.
"What about?"
"I was hoping you could somehow get a hold of Anna's mobile and send those pictures from last night to yourself."
"The ones of you and Anna?" Gwen asked to clarify.
He responded with a simple nod of his head.
"What do I do once I do that?"
"I plan on getting a new mobile. Once I have the number, I'll give it to you, but Anna can't know I have the mobile until after Christmas."
"Why ever not?"
He wanted to say because he was keeping the money private for now, but Gwen didn't know anything about it.
Instead he replied, "I want to give her a photo as a gift."
"Ohhhhh, I see. She won't expect you to do that if you don't have access to photos."
"Exactly."
Knowing Anna could wake up any moment, he pushed the conversation along.
"There is one more thing. What are your plans Christmas Eve?"
"Jack invited me to spend Christmas Eve with his family. We will be back here Christmas morning."
"So you will be there all Christmas Eve and spending the night away?" He asked to make sure he had it right.
"That's right. Why? You planning something romantic?" She teased and waggled her eyebrows.
"Shhhh," he shushed her.
Gwen smiled and leaned in to whisper.
"It won't even matter what it is. She will love the fact you took the time to plan something. Christmas Eve is all yours."
He gave her a look of gratefulness and mouthed a 'thank you'.
They each set back to their tasks, and it wasn't long after Anna entered the kitchen.
"Good morning."
John turned his head at the sound of Anna's voice. He smiled warmly at her. Her face was still heavy with sleep. He noted she had a light blue terry cloth robe over her pajamas.
"Good morning," he replied.
"Morning, did you know he makes breakfast?" Gwen asked as she made her tea.
John watched her walk closer, and she lifted one inquisitive brow.
"No, I did not." She looked down into the pan.
"I hope you both like scrambled."
"Yes," they replied in unison.
John's chest rumbled with a chuckle.
Anna lifted up and pressed a kiss to his cheek.
"This is sweet of you."
She lowered back down and collected two mugs.
"It's your first day back to work. I thought breakfast might be helpful," he commented.
"And so it is," she agreed.
Gwen sipped from her steaming mug and propped her hip up against the worktop.
"You're going back in today?"
Anna made a cuppa for her and John while she replied, "Yes, it's always so busy right before Christmas. I feel bad not helping out."
John placed bread in the toaster as Gwen said, "I know. It's crazy everywhere. I'll be right back."
Gwen met John's eye and gave him a covert wink. John bit the inside of his cheek. He was thankful Gwen seemed confident to know Anna's mobile password.
Remembering where Anna said the plates were, he collected three and served up the eggs. When he placed the pan in the sink, Anna wrapped her arms around him from his side. He turned in her arms enough to embrace her back. She felt warm against him all bundled up in her thick robe. Her eyes were so open and loving toward him even if they were still tired looking from not being fully awake. No one had ever looked at him in such a way. He wanted to cherish it.
"How did you sleep?" She asked.
"The best I've slept yet."
"Hmmm. I wonder why," she smirked readily.
His gaze turned heated. He recalled the night before with quick visual snippets. It had indeed helped him to sleep better.
"I believe a naughty minx may have had something to do with it."
He bent down and kissed her softly on the lips.
"Oy, not before morning tea," Gwen announced as she walked in. Anna looked over her shoulder.
"Tell that to yourself and Jack," she playfully jabbed.
Gwen laughed. "Too right. I'm only kidding anyway."
"I know," Anna smiled.
John stepped back. "You ladies sit down. I'll bring it over."
John stood by the front door waiting for Anna to leave for the day. She emerged a minute later dressed for work complete with white apron. His eyes smiled at her as she collected her bag and coat from the hooks by the door.
"I've left some notes on your bedside table," she stated.
He took in a breath to protest, but she kept talking. John decided to help her on with her coat instead of speaking just yet.
"I don't want you to be without all day. If you want to go out, you'll need some money if you want or need anything. Also, I am going to leave my mobile in case you need to make a call."
With coat on, she turned to face him.
"Anna, no," he replied calmly though his pride felt hurt at her suggestions. He could survive a few days without, though he wouldn't need to do so.
"How would you reach anyone?" She questioned.
He decided to not answer with a question of his own.
"Are you walking?"
"I am, but-"
"Then you are taking your mobile. I won't need anything. I promise."
He could see the wheels turning in her mind before the slight slump of acquiescence.
"If you are sure."
"I am. You have a good day."
She lifted up and he bent over. They kissed each other goodbye.
"You too. I'll see you later."
"I love you," he murmured.
"I love you, too."
Anna then walked out into the corridor, and John closed the door.
He immediately began going over his mental list and smirked smugly to only himself as he went to get ready for the day.
The village was busy with people as John strolled its streets. Many had packages and bags from various stores indicating people were indeed still shopping for the holiday. He had stopped off at the closest shop that sold mobiles, and after listening to a salesman at length, he made his purchase and signed up for a plan. The phone was much more complex than his previous one, but for now, as long as he knew how to make a call and send a text he could worry about the rest at a different time. Giving his knee a break, he stopped and sat upon a nearby bench. The air was brisk and the sky overcast. It was much the same it was would have felt back at the prison yard but not in equal measure. People walked by bundled in various coats, scarves, and hats. Children giggled as they chased one another. Everything felt more vivid. Colors were brighter. Scents were more pronounced. He felt the corners of his lips tug upward at simply being back in society once more.
After his rest, he browsed around in different shops trying to stir up ideas. He even made a couple of purchases he hoped Anna would like. It would be the next day before he purchased the rest of what he had in mind, and he also needed to speak to Gwen again. It was around lunch time when he found himself walking into the part of the village The Cocoa Tree was located. He found himself naturally gravitating in that direction. He thought if Anna hadn't taken her break maybe they could eat together.
He stopped a short distance from the shop door. He looked at his purchases and combined the bags into the unlabeled one and tied it up. It would do no good for her to see what was inside after all. Once he was sure nothing was showing, he began walking again until he was at the door.
A person opened the door to exit, and he waited for them to pass before he walked in.
He stopped a few steps in to see a couple of people he hadn't seen before. One was a tall, slender, ginger-haired young man and the other was a short, plump, ginger-haired older woman. He found it interesting they were basically opposite in every way but their hair color. From Anna's letters, he concluded it had to be Mrs. Patmore and Alfred. He was greeted by the young man.
"Good day, sir, how may we help?"
If it had been Jimmy or Daisy, he would have asked to see Anna, but these two people had no idea who he was, yet. He figured Anna would be out soon enough. She was probably in the back, her office, or she had even already taken her break.
"I'm just browsing," he replied with a tight smile.
"Very good."
The young man went back to folding what appeared to be small boxes as John killed time by looking in the display cases. He began to daydream a bit about where Anna might be when he heard whispering from the two employees. He looked over in their direction, and the young man was bent down a bit to speak to the older woman. The woman looked around the man to peek at him, and when she saw he was looking at them she quickly ducked back in front of the other employee. John gripped the handle of his cane a little tighter. Something didn't feel right. Why were they whispering looking at him?
His eyes shifted to where the back room would be in hopes Anna would appear, but he wasn't sure if she was even in the shop.
"Calm down," he clearly heard the woman say even though it was said in a hushed tone.
"It's him. I know it. I thought they locked him up."
That was all John needed to hear. His fight or flight activated, and he chose the latter. Anna's employee knew who he was and about his past. His jaw tightened, and he made way for the door.
"Oy!" He heard the man call out, but he was already out the door and onto the pavement.
His thoughts were all jumbled. He felt he had just messed something up. He kept walking and cursed under his breath. He had hoped enough time had passed that he wouldn't be remembered from the Grantham's scandal, but it had been in all the papers and local news. It had been a short flight of fancy to think he could come out of prison and his past not follow him into his new start.
"New start," he mirthlessly laughed to no one as his feet carried him further away from the shops. Deep down he knew there wasn't such a thing. No one truly received a fresh beginning; the past was always there lurking. His jaw muscle flexed as his thoughts were drowning him from the inside. Wave after wave of guilt and insecurity crashed against him in his internal battle.
When he had been on the inside nothing sounded better than the words Anna would write and speak to him. Nothing had held his attention more than being free to live a life with her. Now, the situation wasn't the same. He wasn't a hidden secret in her life anymore. His past life would impact her present and future life. It tore at him that if they continued she would be under scrutiny, but hadn't he known it? He had, and he had buried it along the way somehow. His selfishness in needing her in his life was going to begin to make itself known. More people would put two and two together in the county and possibly outside the county.
How would this impact her, him, them?
He clutched the bag handle in his left hand tighter as a way to distract himself, but it didn't help. He momentarily looked skyward for what he didn't know. He felt well and truly overwhelmed. He loved Anna. He was desperately in love with her, and within himself he knew she was in love with him as well. It would take time for the world to be reintroduced to him; he just didn't know at what cost it would take.
"I thought it'd be busier by now," Anna announced when she walked inside her shop.
"We were busy. It's just a small lull," Mrs. Patmore responded. "How was Mr. Bakewell?"
Anna unbuttoned her coat. "He was thankful for the personal delivery. He said he didn't know if he'd have the time to come over, and his wife will be very thankful to all of us."
"I'm glad he was satisfied."
"He was indeed," Anna smiled.
"Anna, could I talk to you for a minute?" Alfred asked, wringing his hands in front of him.
"Of course, I'll just hang up my coat and be right back."
Anna walked to the back and into her office to hang her coat. When she returned, she walked over to where her employees were standing behind the display cases.
"I'm all ears, Alfred," she said, leaning her lower back against the back counter.
"Well," he began shifting on his feet. "While you were gone someone came into the shop."
Anna giggled. "I would sure hope so."
"No, you see, I thought I recognized who it was. I even told Mrs. Patmore," he continued and nodded at his colleague.
Anna looked at both of them before looking back at Alfred. "Was it someone famous?" She asked with underlying excitement and dismay at missing a celebrity in her shop.
"Not in a good way," Alfred said with a straight face.
Anna's excitement shifted to one of concern. "Did something happen?" She gave Mrs. Patmore a sideway glance.
"Not really," replied Mrs. Patmore without confidence.
"Do you remember a couple years back or more a man from here in Yorkshire got sentenced to prison for stealing tons of money?"
Anna stopped breathing at Alfred's words. What did he mean by that?
"What about it?" She asked quickly.
"I think... No, I know we was in here while you were out. He was looking in the cases and it came to me who he was. I thought he'd still be in prison."
Anna's thoughts were all beginning to turn sour. John had been here, and Alfred knew of his past. She knew the rest was not going to be good.
"He may look at bit different, but it is him. I even googled it. His name is John Bates."
"You what?" Anna asked in a serious tone. She was rather irritated at her own self for not googling John. It would have been a big help. Her mood soured further.
"I can show you-"
She cut off him. "I don't want you to show me anything! What did you say to him?"
"I thought you'd be happier to know I spotted a known thief in here," Alfred countered, not answering her question.
"Now Alfred," Mrs. Patmore scolded.
Anna felt light-headed and a bit nauseous. She didn't care if people recognized him, but she knew John would care.
"Alfred, Mrs. Patmore, what was said to this man?"
"Nothing," Alfred replied. "He must have been listening to us because he suddenly left. I don't know why he was in here to begin with."
"So he heard you two talking about him being in prison?"
"He must have. I tried to get him to stop, but he left fast."
Anna pressed a hand to her stomach to keep her composure. She felt a tension headache looming.
"How long ago was this?"
"He entered about ten minutes after you left," Mrs. Patmore answered.
"I doubt he's still around here. That was an hour ago," Alfred said. "Maybe he won't come back."
Anna snapped her chin upward so her eyes met his.
"He most certainly will be coming back. If I had been here, I would have been able to introduce you. John Bates is the love of my life."
Alfred and Mrs. Patmore both looked taken aback by her declaration. They remained speechless.
"He is not a thief. He was innocent and placed in prison unjustly. I should know I helped get him out!"
The shop bell tinkled letting them know a customer was entering.
"Hello! Welcome In!" Anna greeted quickly with a fake smile in their direction. She turned her head back to Alfred and said very quietly, "He is welcome here anytime. He can go anywhere in this shop he wishes. I trust him beyond words. I am sad you were so quick to judge him."
Alfred quietly replied, "We weren't to know."
"Alfred thought we was protecting the shop, Anna," Mrs. Patmore explained.
Anna took a deep breath in and exhaled slowly to calm herself. "I understand, but the next time he comes in I expect him to be treated better. If there are more questions, John and I will answer them together for you if they aren't indecent."
Alfred looked regretful. "I'm sorry, Anna."
Anna sighed. "I am sorry to both of you. Just believe me when I say once you get to know John you'll see what I'm talking about. I do ask you keep this information between the three of us for now."
"We trust your judgement, Anna," Mrs. Patmore said before she walked off to help the customers.
Alfred nodded in agreement as Daisy entered the shop to begin her shift.
"Good afternoon!" Daisy greeted.
Anna left Alfred and walked with Daisy to the back.
"Daisy, I need to leave. If I don't return, I'll be back in the morning."
"Is everything alright?" Daisy asked with a concerned expression.
"No, but it will be," Anna said with a small smile to easy Daisy's concerns.
"Alright. If you need anything you know where to find me."
"I do. Thank you, Daisy."
Anna quickly bundled back into her coat and collected her bag. She then walked back through the shop, gave her employees a hasty goodbye and left.
John sat in the armchair that faced the front door with a newspaper folded in his hand. He had picked one up on his way back to her flat to start the process of looking for a place. It seemed the most proactive thing he could do at the moment. He had quickly hidden his purchases along with his turned off mobile when he returned. It wouldn't do to be careless and leave them lying around. He then made a pot of tea and sat himself down.
Now that he had a small amount of funds, he had no reason to delay getting his own place. Even though he was getting used to living at Anna's, he knew it would be good for them. Them going from not hardly seeing one another at all to suddenly living with each other didn't seem like a good idea to him. He wanted to do things properly, or as properly as it could be done. He needed time to adjust, and he knew Anna did too even if she would never say it. Then, if things happened quickly after that then so be it, but he wanted the bit of space between them to see how things developed. After what had occurred earlier, it was vastly important to him. If things did not pan out, as he hoped more than anything they would in his selfishness, then he would be set up to live by himself. There wouldn't be the awkwardness of her feeling the need to let him stay because he had no where to go. It was a safety net.
The sound of the lock turning caused alarm in him. He lowered the newspaper and started to reach for his cane as more of a weapon than a walking aid but stopped when the door opened and there stood Anna. She was lightly panting as she turned to close the door. He released the handle of his cane and rested his upper body back against the chair.
"What are you doing here?" He asked more tersely than he would have liked, but it was from him being caught off guard.
"That's one way to be greeted," she smirked as she hung her bag and removed her coat.
"I'm sorry. I admit you startled me. I wasn't expecting you for a few more hours," he explained.
His eyes took her in and watched her at her tasks. He noticed her take a deep breath. She must know he went by her shop. That was why she was here. He decided to speak first on it.
"Anna, I should have never stopped in without you knowing."
She turned quickly. Her eyes pierced his own, and she walked silently over to him. He fidgeted slightly from her penetrating stare until she was standing beside his legs. She seemed to think something over and sat on the sofa nearest to him. She clasped her hands in her lap and continued looking at him. The silence was making the air become thick, so he spoke again.
"I apologize for whatever it may have caused."
Her reply was so soft and calm it almost scared him.
"What do you think you caused?"
His fingertips rustled over the paper a bit as he searched for the words. He looked down at the coffee table unable to look her in the face.
"Your employees... know who I am," he said slowly and filled with shame.
"Yes, they do." Her tone was firm yet light. "Two more of them now know you are the love of my life."
His head snapped up and over to look at her. Her face was one of calm determination. He had seen it several times before. Why would she have said that to them when they knew him?
"Anna, you shouldn't have said-"
She interrupted him. "Why not when it is the truth?"
Didn't she realize what could happen? He rubbed a hand across his chin and lowered it back down.
"Because it could tarnish what you've built."
His stomach clenched at the very words. He had stated it as a iron clad truth. The last thing he would want would be to tarnish any aspect of her life.
"You could never tarnish anything in my life, John. It is very much the opposite of that."
Her words. Those type of words. He relished them. Oh, how he loved to hear her gentle praise of him even when he didn't deserve it, but his instinct to protect her even to the detriment of himself was still there. It always would be.
"I know you want to believe it, but it could affect your reputation," he countered less matter-of-factly than his previous statement.
She leaned over and reached for his hand. He allowed her to take it in her grasp. Her small hand felt cold in his much larger hand. He rubbed his thumb along the back of her chilled skin.
"I don't care about my reputation, nor do I care what people think. I care about you. You did nothing wrong in stopping by. That is exactly what would make me happy is you stopping by from time to time when you can. I'm sorry I wasn't there. I was delivering an order to Mr. Bakewell across the village."
"You've nothing to apologize for," he began and paused. He didn't want to say it, but he felt he must at least offer. "I think it best if I don't come around."
"John," she sighed in what he assumed was frustration. She shook her head lightly before standing up. She released his hand and without comment placed her hands on his shoulders and moved until her knees were on the cushion of the chair on either side of his thighs. He moved his arms and the newspaper slipped from his grip and onto the floor beside the chair. It was a tight fit, but she was now sitting on his lap. There was no where else to look but directly at her.
"What did we just talk about yesterday? We are a team remember? We support each other."
"Yes, but-"
Her left hand coming up to caress his face distracted him. He was very unfamiliar with this. Having someone discuss a disagreement with him in a calm, intimate way was definitely not something he was accustomed. It made him feel off-kilter, yet it calmed him as well to have her so close.
"They already understand. I made it clear. You will not be treated so poorly again. I'm sorry they acted as they did, but that will not be a re occurrence. When you are ready, I would very much like for you to come back. If you feel the need to tell me when that is then okay, but you are welcome there any time. You brighten my day. I need to see you."
Her voice ended up being more like a warm hug by the time she was done. She had this way of making him feel better that he couldn't describe. She was gazing at him so earnestly it almost made him forget the whole horrible ordeal.
He just couldn't help himself, so he replied, "I need to see you, too."
Her face broke into a wide smile. It was stunning the way it changed her features.
"I'm very glad to hear that. Am I too close?"
She looked down at his arms which were secured stiffly to the arms of the chair. He got the hint and moved his hands to her lower back.
"No," he commented simply.
Her hand moved up into his hair and she brushed through his locks.
"It's okay to be upset. I was upset as well at how you felt the need to leave because of them, but please don't hide from me. You've been hidden away from me for far too long."
Her words triggered the thought he had about him no longer being a hidden secret.
"It will be different than it was," he began.
She settled her hand at the nape of his neck toying with the shorter hair she found there.
"Different in what way," she prompted.
"I won't be a secret anymore. Anyone could remember who I am."
His hands reflectively caressed her clothed skin.
Anna hummed her agreement. "Yes, that is very true, but I'm so glad you will no longer be a secret. I want to parade around town with my hand in yours yelling for all to hear that you are mine."
The visual made him release a short but audible chuckle. She giggled in reply.
"I don't know about all that," he tried to dismiss.
"It's true," she responded confidently.
"Anna, you wouldn't yell out to the town," he insisted.
"Watch me," she fired back before her lips crashed against his.
John took in a deep breath and kissed her back with just as much urgency. His hands moved to grip the swell of her hips making her moan faintly. She was certainly claiming him and making her point known with her actions. It was making him lose track of what they had even been discussing. He felt her tongue tease the seam of his lips, and he opened to her deepening the kiss. A rumble left him at the sensation of her tongue sliding against his own. Her hands were holding tightly to him at his shoulder and the back of his head. He pulled her hips closer to him, inadvertently causing a rocking motion as he pulled and pushed. She gasped against his lips when they both felt her come into contact with his growing response. The gasp made him realize he needed to slow them down. They had went from zero to one hundred very quickly. He broke their kiss and met her eyes. Her pupils were wide with unconcealed want.
"Anna, we should stop," he said so very gently.
She leaned forward and kissed the spot below his ear. He hissed and without his help she rocked against him again.
"You'll still be needed at work," he tried again. "I'm sorry I made you feel the need to leave."
She nipped his earlobe and ground her hips making his breath hitch.
"You don't feel very sorry to me," she said in a seductive whisper.
That would have been enough for the old John. It would have been a done deal, and they would be shagging right there in that chair; not that they might not do that in the future, but that line of thinking was not helpful right then. If he didn't have their first time built up so much in his head, he would have allowed himself the indulgence of being her with, but it was so important to him to pamper and seduce her in a way he had never done with anyone else.
"You make it impossible to control myself," he replied with effort while she sucked on his pulse point.
"Oh, I very much like the sound of that," she rasped.
He removed his hands from her hips which made her pull back to look him in the face. He swallowed thickly as she gave him a small pout.
"Do you feel better now that we've spoken?" She asked in a hurry.
He was surprised to find that he did feel better after getting to speak with her, even though it still stung to be whispered about by people she relied on.
"I do, yes."
His answer seemed to relieve her.
"I will return to work, but I'd rather not in my current state. Would you be willing to help?" Her tone was sultry. Her hands roamed down his shoulders to the flat plain of his broad chest. He felt a strong heat from her touch through his shirt. She bit down on her lower lip making him almost lose his mind.
"How may I help?" He asked in a rough voice.
He watched her inch in and place her lips on his. She nipped his bottom lip before whispering, "Please touch me, John. I need you."
He couldn't think of one single thing to deny her. He really didn't want to deny her; not after her generosity last night. He would instead leave her satisfied to return to work. The thought turned him on even more.
"Show me where you need me," he replied.
She leaned back again and grabbed his dominant hand. Keeping her eyes on his, she lowered his hand until he was touching the apex of her thighs. Heat was radiating through the fabric there making John groan in the back of his throat. She removed her hand from his and placed both hands on his shoulders to steady herself.
"Please," she begged with her eyes imploring him.
His desire addled brain seemed to come into focus at her plea, and he began to touch her.
She hummed her approval and kept looking at him with anticipation. His free hand came over and slid down until he had a firm grip on her bottom. Her breath hitched spurring him on. He applied more pressure through her trousers, and she pushed against his hand seeking more of the fiction she craved. He moved his head and placed kisses against the column of her neck. She panted and clutched onto his shoulders harder trying to anchor herself to him through the sensations he was giving her. He could smell her shampoo as he kissed behind her ear.
"More."
He barely heard her over the accelerated thrumming of his heart beat to his own ears, but when he did he ceased his kisses and looked down to where she sat in his lap. He knew what she was wanting.
"Lift up for me," he instructed. She did so with no hesitation, rising up on her knees. He made quick work of unbuttoning and pulling the zip down. He then pulled the trousers down as far as her position would allow. His hands teased her bare upper thighs. Her skin was burning hot to the touch. She moaned something unintelligible when he hooked his fingers into the waistband of her knickers and dragged them down mid-thigh. Her eyes closed as his fingertips touched her bare, sensitive flesh for the first time. She was going to be the death of him. He couldn't help but watch her head fall back as he delved deeper.
"Sit back down," he said, and she did so making her thighs spread out a little more giving him better access to the bundle of nerves he planned to detonate. She bucked against his hand and grabbed the back of his neck with one hand. He set a steady rhythm and placed his hand back on her bare bottom giving it a rough squeeze making her moan aloud. Without warning, she brought her lips against his kissing him with abandon and moaning into his mouth. She was so responsive to his touch. He marveled at how open she was with him like they had always been intimate in such a way. He sped up just a bit.
She released the kiss and leaned back as far as she could while still holding onto him. Her breathing was labored making her chest heave. John looked down and bit back a low groan at the sight. He was becoming painfully aroused, but he would ignore it. This was about her.
"John... I can't," she breathed. "Last..."
He stopped suddenly and moved his fingers in a circling motion.
"Ohhh!" She voiced in a higher pitch.
He looked up to see her eyes tightly closed and her mouth slightly open. He decided to encourage her off the edge.
"My darling, you're so beautiful," he praised.
He felt her legs shudder against him for a couple of seconds. She was almost there.
"John," she begged.
"Look at me," he stated as his circling began in the opposite direction making her groan loudly. She did as he asked and looked directly at him though her eyes were heavy with desire.
"I've dreamed of touching you just like this," he said, giving her a molten look.
"Oh, God," she shouted upward. "Please, John!"
He stopped circling to apply pressure while moving his fingers up and down. He felt her legs quiver, so he kept the same pressure and squeezed her bottom firmly again.
"Yes, fall apart for me, love," he said in such a way that she did just that.
"John!" She shouted as she shuddered and fell into her sea of bliss. He moved his left hand to her back to keep her upright as he easier her down from her high.
When she had come back to herself she languidly looked to him. He gave her a wicked smirk of satisfaction.
"Pleased with yourself?" She asked playfully.
"Not as much as you seem to be," he jested back.
She giggled and lightly smacked his chest. She leaned in for a kiss to which he eagerly returned.
"That makes me want to take an extended lunch break everyday," she confessed after she pulled back.
He raised his eyebrows at her words.
"Is that so?"
She bit her lower lip and nodded. He gently placed his hand along the side of her neck.
"I love you."
She gave him a content, lazy smile. "And I love you."
"Do you need help standing?" He offered.
"Oh, yes, probably," she snickered. "I've been in this position for a while."
He helped her to her feet, and when she appeared to be stable enough he released her. She pulled up her clothing and put them back in place.
"You're going back to work like that?" He asked as he stood to his feet.
"Like what?" She asked in mild curiosity.
Not sure how to describe what he meant, he stammered instead.
"Like... I mean- you just- and-"
She grinned. "You mean without tidying up?"
He breathed a silent breath of relief she had found the wording.
"Yes."
She ran a hand up his chest. "Maybe I want to be reminded of my lunch break." She winked at him and walked away from him.
"You naughty girl," he said to her.
She tossed him a sassy smile over her shoulder. He followed after her to the door and helped her into her coat.
"You rather bring out the naughty side of me. Is that a bad thing?" She asked too innocently.
"No," he said quicker than was needed, making Anna laugh.
He chuckled, and she reached up on her toes to kiss him goodbye.
"See you later, Mr. Bates."
"Goodbye, Anna," he replied then opened the door for her.
She waved to him once she was in the corridor. He waved back and closed the door.
"Cold shower," he said to himself as he walked toward the bedroom.